Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantel Snells.
Shantel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. Whether it was writing in my journals, on random pieces of paper, or even napkins, I’ve loved writing down my ideas, feelings, and words of encouragement.
So in 2014, I felt like God gave me the idea to start a blog. I named it Life To Your Soul based on the scripture in Proverbs 3:22 in the Bible. On the blog, I’d share some of my trials, triumphs, life experiences, and devotions from studying. I remained consistent although there were times when I battled depression, anxiety, and fear.
I had been through a lot of trauma growing up and my writing had become a great form of release for me. I felt empowered to encourage others on their journey and share my reflections on things I’d been learning on my journey.
In 2020, as the world shut down, I felt this impression to release a book. The idea was very intimidating initially. I already knew that I wanted to be an author someday, but I did not know how to do it. As a form of affirmation to myself, I’d declare, “I am an author! I am a CEO!” So I began researching, looking up other people’s processes, reading articles, praying, and trying to gain a better understanding. Things began to eventually make more sense.
I compiled many of my personal journal entries throughout my life and they became the basis of my first book. It’s titled At Those Times – A Day-by-Day Devotional and is available on Amazon!
Since then, I’ve embarked on wanting to help others get their books out and learn more about their identity in Christ. I know that so many people have a story but aren’t sure what it takes to get it out or where to start. That’s where Life To Your Soul LLC steps in.
I’ve formed Life To Your Soul LLC to help others on their writing journey and create spaces for people of different backgrounds to be empowered!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I struggled with a lot of self-doubt, fear, and insecurity for a long time. I liked being in the background and doing things away from the crowd growing up.
So when I felt like God was leading me to blog, speak, and release books, it was nerve-wracking. I didn’t want to be in the spotlight.
But as the years have gone by, I’ve grown more confident in who I am, how I’m wired, and ways to help others on their journey. No one is worthless, regardless of where they are, where they’ve come from, or how they feel.
We’ve been impressed with Life To Your Soul LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Life To Your Soul LLC is an organization that empowers others through mental health awareness, artistic expression, book services, and events.
We host inspiring events in the DMV area and virtually to help others learn more about who they are, what they are called to do in life, and how to make a positive impact in their communities. We are also certified in Mental Health First Aid from the National Council of Mental Wellbeing.
Our services include speaking to youth and adult audiences, offering book services (editing, formatting, and publishing), hosting fun outings, and creating art in various forms.
What sets us apart is that we genuinely care about our clients and their story. We seek to show others that the trauma they’ve faced does not equal inadequacy concerning their value. Although everyone’s journey is different, there’s meaning and purpose in every story!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Some of my favorite books are Heal to Hear by Natalie Breckenridge, The Finger of God by Torace Solomon, The Bible, Commanding Your Morning by Cindy Trimm and All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols.
I enjoy listening to podcasts and watching videos by Jordan Dooley, Brene Brown, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Priscilla Shirer, Sarah Jakes Roberts, and the late Dr. Myles Munroe, to name a few.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifetoyoursoul.org
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifetoyoursoul?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LifeToYourSoul?si=ReVzd42Zoq0CGa-v
Image Credits
Good Vibez Photos, Lawrence Snells Jr., and Alex Ding
